ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Minority Affairs
Steps to encourage education among the children of minority communities across the country for their socio-economic and educational empowerment
The Government has undertaken several steps to encourage education among the children of minority communities across the country for their socio-economic and educational empowerment and as a result, to reduce the dropout rate among them. Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme was approved in January 2008 for class I-X and was applicable upto 2021-22. Post Matric Scholarship was launched in November 2007 for level XI, XII and higher classes. Merit-cum-Means Scholarship was launched in the year 2007 for Technical and Professional Courses. A very large number of students from minority communities have benefited from these programmes. 30% seats in all these schemes have been earmarked for girl students.
In addition to the above, the Government has implemented various schemes for the welfare and upliftment of every strata, including minorities, especially the economically weaker and lesser privileged sections of the society, through schemes of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Textiles, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Women and Child Development and Ministry of Rural Development.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Minority Affairs, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Special Campaign 3.0 in full swing in Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Over 900 spots identified across country for cleaning
644 outdoor campaigns to be conducted to create awareness on Swachhata including disposal of scraps
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has started the Special Campaign 3.0 on Swachhta in Main Secretariat and its Subordinate/Attached Offices, located in various parts of the country. During the preparatory phase from 15th of September, 2023 targets were finalised under various parameters as per the guidelines of DAPRG to be taken up during the campaign period. Main phase of campaign started from 2nd Oct, 2023 and will continue up to 31st Oct. 2023. During the Campaign, focus is given to clean the spots and create awareness among masses about Swachhata and follow the best practices in its offices.
Some pictures of spots identified for cleaning
Secretary, Shri Apurva Chandra reviewed the progress and the mechanism to implement and monitor regularly. It has also been decided to depute a team of officers to the field during the Campaign to guide and over see the implementation including Space utilization vacated during the Special Campaign 2.0.
3. The targets finalized and action in progress on various parameters is as below:
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|
S. No.
|
|
Parameters
|
|
Targets
|
|
-
|
|
No. of Outdoor campaigns to be conducted
|
|
644
|
|
-
|
|
Scraps items identified for disposed of 
|
|
89,926
|
|
-
|
|
Number of pending references from MPs
|
|
92
|
|
-
|
|
Pending Parliamentary Assurances
|
|
15
|
|
-
|
|
Pending PMO References
|
|
04
|
|
-
|
|
Pending Public Grievances
|
|
296
|
|
-
|
|
Pending PG Appeals
|
|
61
|
|
-
|
|
Number of files to be reviewed
|
|
49984
|
|
-
|
|
Number of e-files identified for closing
|
|
1640
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID - 19 Vaccination Update - Day 587
India’s cumulative vaccination coverage crosses 211 Crore landmark milestone
More than 25 lakh Vaccine doses administered today till 7 pm
India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has crossed 211 Crore  landmark milestone today. More than 25 lakh  Vaccine Doses have been administered till 7 pm today. The daily vaccination tally is expected to increase with the compilation of the final reports for the day by late tonight.
The cumulative coverage of vaccine doses, segregated based on population priority groups, is as follows:
|
|
Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
10413842
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
10104678
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
6697876
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
18434162
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
17695009
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
13032057
|
|
Age Group 12-14 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
40159512
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
29913113
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
61619368
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
52177936
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
560423466
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
512500055
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
55889426
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
203872246
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
196183410
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
32110688
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
127561041
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
122623320
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
39527013
|
|
Cumulative 1st dose administered
|
|
1022483637
|
|
Cumulative 2nd dose administered
|
|
941197521
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
147257060
|
|
Total
|
|
2110938218
Today’s achievement in the vaccination exercise, segregated by population priority groups, is as follows:
|
|
Date: 25th August, 2022 
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
47
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
499
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
12232
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
96
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
597
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
24610
|
|
Age Group 12-14 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
49353
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
102351
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
17989
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
58631
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
32744
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
142887
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
1267836
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
5845
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
31866
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
552640
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
3649
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
21793
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
266551
|
|
Cumulative 1st dose administered
|
|
109723
|
|
Cumulative 2nd dose administered
|
|
358624
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
2123869
|
|
Total
|
|
2592216
The vaccination exercise as a tool to protect the most vulnerable population groups in the country from COVID-19 continues to be regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level.
Ministry of Labour & Employment
Union Minister of Labour and Employment Shri Bhupender Yadav lays foundation stone of 100 bedded ESIC hospital in Sriperumbudur, Tamilnadu
Minister of Labour and Employment, Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, laid the foundation stone of 100 bedded ESIC hospital in Sriperumbudur today.
Bhupender Yadav said that the hospital will be built at an estimated cost of 155 Crore and will have the facilities of General Medicine, General Surgery, Obstetrics &Gynecology, including Paediatrics, Emergency, Critical Care / Intensive Care , Anesthesia, Ophthalmology, Dermatology & Venereology , , Pulmonology and Dentistry.
The minister said that in Tamilnadu, ESIC is catering to the medical needs of 38.26 lakhs Insured Persons and around 1.48 Crore beneficiaries.
"We also have One Medical College of ESIC at KK Nagar, Chennai having all the modern facilities. 125 MBBS students per year get the admission in this college. Out of which, 25 seats are reserved for wards of Insured Workers who belong to lower wage bracket of society," he added.
The minister further said,"Today, in Tamil Nadu, out of 38 districts,ESI Scheme has been implemented fully in 20 districts and partially in 16 districts."
"I am happy to share that today ESIC is providing medical benefits to 3.41 crore workers covered under the Act and their dependants i.e13.24 crore beneficiaries in total. From 393 districts in 2015, the services of ESIC have been expanded to 596 districts out of 744 districts across India," Bhupender Yadav said.
He further said,"Today, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, works with the spirit of “ShramevaJayate”, whether it is the four labour codes, or towards ensuring social security for workers, or giving an identity to 28 crore unorganized workers through the E-shram card in just 8 months ot its launch. I am told, in Tamil Nadu alone around 75 lakh workers in the unorganized sector now have an E-shram card."
The minister added that in the last 8 years of Modi government with a ‘Whole of Government approach’, the poor, the beneficiaries have received their rightful due, they have witnessed benefits of welfare schemes getting credited in their accounts, without any commission, without any intermediaries.
Bhupender Yadav also said,"Only, yesterday, the government announced a significant reduction in Central excise duty in petrol and diesel prices, which will reduce the price of petrol by ₹ 9.5 per litre and of Diesel by ₹ 7 per litre, thereby providing major relief to our citizens."
Ministry of Finance
Rs 3, 05,984 Crore scheme to be launched for a Revamped Reforms -based Result-Linked Power Distribution Sector
Hydrogen Energy Mission in 2021-22 for generating Hydrogen from Green Power sources to be launched
Competitive Framework to give Consumers alternatives to choose from distribution companies
Expressing serious concern over the viability of power distribution companies, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman in her budget speech of 2021-22, proposed an outlay of Rs 3,05,984 crore over 5 years for a revamped reforms- based result-linked power distribution sector Scheme. The Scheme will provide assistance to DISCOMS for infrastructure creation, including pre paid smart metering and feeder separation, up gradation of systems, etc. tied to financial improvements.
In her budget speech, Smt. Sitharaman also pointed towards the monopolies of distribution companies across the country and proposed to put in place a competitive framework to give consumers alternatives to choose from among more than one distribution companies.
“The past 6 years have seen a number of reforms and achievements in the power sector, we have added 139 Giga watts of installed capacity, connected an additional 2.8 crore households and added 1.41 lakh circuit km of transmission lines”, said Smt. Sitharaman.
For a green and sustainable future, the Finance Minister also proposed to launch a comprehensive National Hydrogen Energy Mission in 2021-22 for generating Hydrogen from green power sources fulfilling the announcement made by Prime Minister in November 2020.
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Ministry of Science & Technology
Researchers find Therapeutic Effects of Yoga in Depression
A new research suggests that Yoga in addition to standard antidepressant treatment can bring relief to patients with Major Depressive Disorder both clinically and biologically and can also bring about earlier remission.
The research led by Dr. MuralidharanKesavan, Professor, Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences , Bangalore has assessed the therapeutic effects of Yoga in Major Depressive Disorder  as well as its effect on associated neurobiological underpinnings. This work was supported under the ‘Science and Technology of Yoga and Meditation ’Programme of the Department of Science and Technology, GoI and has been published in the ‘The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry’.
Earlier studies conducted at NIMHANS, have shown promising results of Yoga in reducing MDD symptoms, associated stress hormone levels and improving levels of inhibitory neurotransmitter called Gamma aminobutyric acid in the brain as well as autonomic functioning of the brain. In this research, the team assessed the effectiveness of yoga therapy on clinical symptoms of depression and its mechanism of action through assessment of various biomarkers associated. They estimated biomarkers like GABA activity , Blood biomarkers , emotional processing & brain activity - functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging  Autonomic functioning - Heart rate Variability  on 70 people through 3.5years.
They also found that early intervention of yoga can lead to good outcomes and better prognosisand also effective as monotherapy in mild to moderate depression.Due to the plausible therapeutic role of yoga in enhancing recovery of patients with depression, the same is being considered for routine recommendation in clinical practice for patients with depression in IP & OP services offered at NIMHANS.
Co authors of the work:
Dr. Gangadhar B. N., Dr. Venkatasubramanian G., Dr. Rose Dawn Bharath, Dr. Sathyaprabha T.N., Dr. Kaviraj Uduppa, Dr. Mariamma Philip, Dr. Monojit from National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences , Bangalore and Dr. Sneha J. Karmani. Consultant Psychiatrist, Aditya Birla Hospital, Pune.
Image: Dr. Muralidharan Kesavan, Professor, Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences , Bangalore
Publication link:
doi: 10.1177/0706743720953247.
For more details Dr. Muralidharan Kesavan  can be contacted.
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Department of Fisheries launches ‘Sagar Parikrama’ program on occasion of 75th Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav
‘Sagar Parikrama’ aims to resolve the issues of the fishers and other stakeholders and to facilitate their economic upliftment
The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India has launched the ‘Sagar Parikrama’ program on occasion of 75th Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. Sagar Parikrama program is being organized through a pre-decided sea route covering coastal states/UTs. The main objectives of ‘Sagar Parikrama’ are  to facilitate interaction with fishermen, coastal communities and stakeholders so as to disseminate information of various fisheries related schemes and programs being implemented by the Government; demonstrating solidarity with all fisher folk, fish farmers and concerned stakeholder as a spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat;  to promote responsible fisheries with focus on sustainable balance between the utilization of marine fisheries resources for food security of nation and livelihoods of coastal fisher communities and  protection of marine ecosystems.
The fishermen, fisher communities and stakeholders in the coastal areas are likely to be benefitted with awareness of various beneficiary oriented schemes and programs being implemented by the Government and showcasing them the best practices that may be adopted. The interaction programs being organized during the ‘Sagar Parikrama’ aims to resolve the issues of the fishers and other stakeholders and to facilitate their economic upliftment through various fisheries schemes and programs being implemented by the Government of India, such as ‘Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana’  a flagship scheme with highest ever estimated investment of Rs.20,050 crore in fisheries sector, ‘Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund’  of Rs. 7522.48 crore implemented since 2018-19 to provide concessional finance to eligible entities, and the facility of Kisan Credit Card  which has been extended for fishers and fish farmers since 2018-19. In addition to the schemes and programs of fisheries sector, the ‘Sagar Parikrama’ program envisages creation of awareness on various other schemes and programs of the Government of India.
This information was given by Shri Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation
Rural sanitation coverage under Swachh Bharat crosses the 85% mark
Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, the largest behavior change programme in the world, the rural sanitation coverage of India has now risen to 85%. Through mobilization of rural communities, 7.4 crore toilets have been built across rural India, and as an outcome, over 3.8 lakh villages and 391 districts have been declared Open Defecation Free .
This is significant because, under the Swachh Bharat Mission , sanitation coverage has increased to more than double the coverage at the time of the launch of the Mission.
A recent survey conducted by an Independent Verification Agency across 90,000 households in over 6000 villages has found the usage of toilets in rural India to be 93.4%. Two independent surveys conducted in the past by the Quality Council of India in 2017, and National Sample Survey Organization in 2016, have pegged the usage of these toilets at 91% and 95% respectively. This success has been achieved due to the difference in approach to sanitation adopted by the Swachh Bharat Mission in comparison to previous sanitation programmes in the country.
The Swachh Bharat Mission is the first sanitation programme in the country to measure outcomes  instead of output  alone. The SBM's emphasis on behavior change in rural sanitation at the grassroots also leads to rigorous verification and sustainability of the benefits accrued to rural communities under the progress made. The SBM is a people's movement, a true jan andolan, and it is this people's participation that has led to the success being witnessed under the Mission. The Mission is on track to achieve an ODF India by October 2019.
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PIB Headquarters
TRAIN REGULATION FOR SUB WAY WORK
Southern Railway will take up left over construction work on a subway between Iraniyel and Kuliturai stations on 19th and 20th March 2017. Train No. 16605, Mangaluru-Nagercoil Ernad express on 19th March will be short terminated at Tribvandrum central in connection with the work. Subsequently Train No. 16606, Nqagercoil-Mangaluru Ernad Express will originate from Thiruvananthapuram central on 20th March 2017.
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Ministry of Home Affairs
Union Home Minister to be on three-day visit to Andaman and Nicobar Islands from tomorrow
The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh is visiting Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, from April 06-08, 2017.
During the visit, the Home Minister will lay the wreath at Martyr’s column at National Memorial, Cellular Jail, Port Blair and meet the Lt Governor and senior officers of Andaman &Nicobar UT Administration.
Next day, Shri Rajnath Singh will lay foundation stone for Solar Power Plant at Guptapara village. He will also lay the wreath at graveyard of Late Bishop John Richardson at Mus Church. The Home Minister will lay the wreath and also view the gallery at Tsunami Memorial, Car Nicobar. Shri Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the new building of Senior Secondary School at Malacca and hold meeting with Tribal Council captains and other tribal leaders at Malacca. He will pay visit to Ross Island and witness Light and Sound show there. He will also attend the Civic reception by Port Blair Municipal Council at ITF Ground, Port Blair.
On the last day of his visit, the Home Minister will pay a visit to Havelock Island.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
National AIDS Control Organisation forms Largest Human Red Ribbon Chain in Kalinga Stadium of Bhubaneswar, Odisha to create awareness on AIDS
The Odisha State AIDS Control Society, Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Odisha under the leadership of National AIDS Control Organisation  in coordination with the Department of Sports & Youth Services & Hockey India organized an awareness programme on HIV AIDS by forming the ‘largest human red ribbon chain’ in the East Gallery of Kalinga Stadium of Bhubaneswar, Odisha on 19th January 2023. The spectators in the gallery included 4,800 students from various schools, Red Ribbon Club members from colleges, people from community, and participants from the Mission Shakti Department.
As per the recent evidences under the National AIDS Control Programme, Odisha continues to have a low HIV prevalence in the state with an adult prevalence of 0.14% and an estimated 52,108 people living with HIV . However, only half of the people living with HIV in the state are on the Anti-Retroviral Treatment . To achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 3.3 of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, awareness generation activities are being strengthened among the general public as well as the High Risk Groups in Odisha about the services offered under the umbrella of National AIDS Control Programme.
The chain was formed during the following two matches: -
- Malaysia vs New Zealand at 01:00 PM
- Netherland vs Chile at 3:00 PM
The moment was witnessed by millions of spectators worldwide through official broadcasting partners such as Star Sports & Disney+ Hotstar through live streaming from 12:30 PM onward. Along with the formation of ‘largest human red ribbon chain’ in the gallery, Audio Visual materials were scrolled to disseminate the messages related to HIV/AIDS and the National AIDS Toll Free helpline - 1097.
This event created a massive impact among 25,000 plus spectators inside the stadium and millions of virtual audiences around the globe through television & Over the Top platforms.
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs 
Cabinet approves Development of New Greenfield Airport Dholera, Ahmedabad
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the proposal for development of Phase I of New Greenfield Airport at Dholera, Gujarat at an estimated cost of Rs. 1305 crore, to be completed within 48 months.
The project is being implemented by Dholera International Airport Company Limited , which is a Joint Venture Company comprising Airports Authority of India , Government of Gujarat  and National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust  holding equity in the ratio of 51:33:16.
Dholera Airport is to get Passenger and Cargo traffic from Dholera Special Investment Region  and is expected to become a major cargo hub to serve the industrial region. This Airport will also cater to the nearby region and serve as a second airport to Ahmedabad.
The New Greenfield Airport at Dholera is situated at an aerial distance of 80 Km from Ahmedabad, Airport. The Airport is planned for operationalization from the year 2025-26 and initial passenger traffic is estimated to be 3 lakh passengers per annum, expected to grow to 23 lakh over a period of 20 years. The annual cargo traffic is also estimated from the year 2025-26 at 20,000 tonne, which would increase to 2,73,000 tonne over a period of 20 years.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles loss of lives in earthquake in Afghanistan
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the loss of lives in earthquake in Afghanistan.
The Prime Minister tweeted
"Deeply saddened at the news of the devastating earthquake in Afghanistan today. My deepest condolences on loss of precious lives.
India stands by the people of Afghanistan in their difficult times and is ready to provide all possible disaster relief material at the earliest."